Polyquaternium-11 (PQ-11)
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INCI Name:
Polyquaternium-11
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Chemical Name:
Polyquaternium-11
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CAS Number:
53633-54-8
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Appearance:
Clear to slightly hazy, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid
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Chemical Type:
Cationic Conditioning Polymer / Film Former
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Suitable For:
Shampoos, Hair Conditioners, Hair Gels, Mousses, Hair Sprays, Leave-in Treatments, and Styling Products
Key Benefits:
- Provides excellent hair conditioning and softness
- Forms a flexible film for improved styling hold
- Reduces static electricity and frizz
- Enhances wet and dry combability
- Adds shine and smoothness without excessive buildup
- Suitable for both rinse-off and leave-in hair care products
Benefits & Uses (Short):
- Used in conditioning shampoos
- Ideal for hair conditioners and masks
- Common in hair gels and styling products
- Improves softness, shine, and manageability
- Reduces hair breakage during combing
Recommended Usage Level:
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Shampoos: 0.2% – 1.0%
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Hair Conditioners: 0.2% – 2.0%
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Hair Masks: 0.5% – 2.0%
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Hair Gels & Styling Products: 0.5% – 3.0%
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Leave-in Conditioners: 0.2% – 1.0%
How It Works (Short):
- Deposits a thin cationic film on the hair surface
- Smooths the cuticle to improve combability
- Enhances hair softness, shine, and manageability
- Provides light styling hold and humidity resistance
- Reduces friction, helping minimize breakage and flyaways
- Blends exceptionally well with BRB 1018 Silicone Conditioner, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Polyquaternium-10, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Aloe Vera Extract, Glycerin, and mild surfactants
Key Benefits for Hair Care Formulations:
- Premium conditioning polymer
- Excellent film-forming properties
- Improves styling performance
- Controls frizz and static
- Suitable for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products
FAQs:
Q: What is Polyquaternium-11 used for?
A: Polyquaternium-11 is used as a conditioning polymer and film former in shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, mousses, and styling products to improve softness, shine, manageability, and light hold.
Q: Is Polyquaternium-11 suitable for sulfate-free shampoos?
A: Yes. It is compatible with both sulfate-free and conventional surfactant systems.
Q: Does Polyquaternium-11 provide styling hold?
A: Yes. Unlike many conditioning polymers, it also offers light, flexible styling hold and helps maintain hairstyles in humid conditions.
Q: Will it leave hair feeling heavy?
A: At recommended usage levels, it provides conditioning and light hold without significant buildup.
Q: What ingredients work well with Polyquaternium-11?
A: BRB 1018 Silicone Conditioner, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-47, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Proteins, Aloe Vera Extract, Glycerin, and conditioning surfactants.
